I like the convenience.
If I had it to do over, I would have added at least one more connection port instead of getting longer hoses.
The sock does not totally protect the drywall corners or baseboard, so I'm just as careful with that hose as a nonretractable hose.
I accidentally picked up a small rag in the hose one day, vacuuming the laundry room. I was really concerned about getting it out... But, I turned off the system downstairs, and sucked the rag out with my shop vac held tightly over the end of the central vac hose.

yes, two thumbs up on the vacpan. I love mine. makes a quick sweep or dustmop easy.

Made my parents install one in their new house 2 years ago and they are very happy with it. I am happy to have central vac, but would certainly install hide-a-hose if I was building a new house.

After living with Hide-A-Hose for 5 months, I would highly recommend it. I still use my Dyson cordless every day but for larger jobs or when the Dyson isn't charged, I love the HAH. It's fairly quiet and does a great job. One thing I would highly recommend is a walk-through with the vacuum installer/supplier. My contractor didn't give me any info so I had a few issues with the system. I called the installer and he answered all my questions, showed me some tips and how to use the system. It's not a complicated system at all but a few simple things (like leaving the system unlocked at all times except when in use) made all the difference in the world. The installer said that some contractors just take the accessories and give them to the home owner with no real knowledge of how to properly use the system and it causes issues such as broken cover plates ($200 to replace) and general frustration.

The Hide-a-Hose is a great option to add onto your existing vacuum system...but it is only as good as your central vacuum system. Depending on the size of your home there are many options to choose from. The higher the air-watts the better. I personally like the Drainvac line, they are made in Canada (not china) and have one of the best warranties in the industry.

Central Vacuum Guide

• ►Best Central Vacuum for Homes 3500 sq ft or smaller
• ►Best Central Vacuum for Homes 4000 to 9500 sq ft
• ►Best Central Vacuum for Homes 10,000 sq ft or larger

I've used central vacs growing up and now in my adult life. I really like the convenience and power provided by the HAH outlets. It's nice not having to drag out a hose and wrap it up when you're finished. For really quick messes, I do tend to reach for my Dyson cordless. However, if I'm doing more than one room of cleaning I lean towards the central vac. I have a hybrid set up meaning I have standard central vac outlets on all three floors of my house that use the normal electric hose and powerhead. On my main level, I also have a vacpan and a hide a hose outlet. I think the standard set up works better for wall to wall carpeting so we use that for the bedrooms. However, for a ton of wood floors and wool area rugs, the HAH is great! We also use it to dust and clean our furniture. If I could do it over again, I would look into getting a Wallyflex or Spot outlet for my laundry room.